Quality, Standards and Accountability in ESL Programs

A discussion of issues related to accountability in adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs looks at ways in which current quality and accountability measures address the real issues of adult immigrant education. First, the strengths and weaknesses of accountability schema that have been developed in other education contexts are examined, and the "state of the art" of quality for adult ESL instruction is defined. Components necessary to an accountability system suitable for this context are then delineated. The status of federal and state efforts to establish accountability systems for adult ESL education is assessed, and gaps in the present systems are identified. Finally, recommendations are made for public (state and federal) policy formation and development of appropriate models of accountability. Contains 31 references. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)